Brothers enter pleas for roles in 2013 brawl

MEDIA COURTHOUSE — Two brothers involved in a brawl at an Upper Darby house in November 2013 entered guilty pleas to misdemeanor charges before Judge Gregory Mallon Wednesday.

Raymond “Ash” Abrams, 28, had been facing criminal attempted homicide charges for allegedly slitting the throat of a 50-year-old Upper Darby man, the father-in-law of William Abrams, 34.

William Abrams was also charged with assaulting his 23-year-old brother-in-law during the fight, which police said broke about on the afternoon of Nov. 17 during an Eagles game.

Raymond Abrams, represented by attorney Bobby Trimble, pleaded to two counts of simple assault and one count of reckless endangerment. His brother pleaded to one count of simple assault.

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Police said the fight occurred at a home on the first block of Englewood Road and stemmed from William Abrams allegedly smacking a 4-year-old in the face for spitting out her food.

Her grandfather went to see what happened, sparking a confrontation that police said resulted in Raymond Abrams slashing the man in the neck, narrowly missing an artery. Police never recovered a weapon. Both men left the scene that night.

The grandfather was present in court Wednesday. He told Assistant District Attorney Geoff Paine that he did not fear any retaliation from the two men and agreed with the terms of the plea.

“It is my understanding that on the date of this incident, things just got out of hand, there was some alcohol involved and you just want to put the whole thing behind you?” Paine asked the victim, who said that was the case.

William Abrams said after the hearing that he and his brother left the fight that night because it was “eight-on-two,” but denied either ever attempted to kill anyone. He noted that he had also suffered a concussion, contusions and a deep cut above his eye in the scuffle, and that they both turned themselves in the next day when they heard police wanted to speak with them.

William Abrams, represented by David Seth Glanzberg, also denied ever striking the girl in the face. He said he might spank his kids if they misbehave, but would never hit them with any force.

“They made it sound like I back-handed my daughter,” he said.

Mallon sentenced Raymond Abrams to time served to 23 months with three years of consecutive probation. William Abrams was given time served to 18 months with 16 hours of community service. Both men had served about one month at the county prison in Concord, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 18.

The judge also ordered the brothers to comply with the recommendations of a drug and alcohol evaluation and an anger management course, and to stay away from the Englewood Road residence.

About the Author

Alex Rose covers court proceedings for the Daily Times. He also writes a weekly science column. Reach the author at arose@delcotimes.com
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